Defining a custom node type simply means that some basic information about this particular object, such as title, purpose, and basic configurations are entered into Drupal.

Let's define a Widget Demo content type. We'll then use this content type to take a deeper look into the different types of widgets we have at our disposal...

Click on an image to make it bigger.
D7 - Fields - Define Custom Node Type - Navigate to Add Content Type

1. Navigate to Add Content Type

Go to Admin menu > Structure > Content Types > Add Content Type.

D7 - Fields - Define Custom Node Type - Enter Name and Description

2. Add Name and Description

Name field = enter a name.  Usually you'll want to use a name that is relatively abstract/generic.

Description field = put in some descriptive information about this custom node type.  This information is only seen on the administrative side of things.  HTML tags can be used here.

D7 - Fields - Define Custom Node Type - Enter Label Text

3. Add Submission Form Settings

Scroll down the page and click on the Submission form settings vertical tab.

Title field label field = if you wish to change the label of the title field, do so here.

Explanation or submission guidelines field = this field is used to provide instructional information to your content providers.  It is only seen by people who can edit content.

D7 - Fields - Define Custom Node Type - Uncheck Promoted to Front Page Checkbox

4. Configure Publishing Options

Click on the Publishing options vertical tab.

Default options radio buttons = uncheck Promoted to front page

D7 - Fields - Define Custom Node Type - Uncheck Display Author and Date Information Checkbox

5. Adjust Display Settings

Click on the Display settings vertical tab.

Display author and date information check box = uncheck

 

D7 - Fields - Define Custom Node Type - Select a Menu

6. Adjust Menu Settings Options

Click on the Menu settings vertical tab

Available menus checkboxes = select one or more, if desired

Default parent item select list = if more than one menu is in use, set the default menu here

Note: Organic Groups and Webforms are more complex topics therefore these will be covered in sections related to these modules.

After all settings are added, click the Save content type button at the bottom of the page.

D7 - Fields - Define Custom Node Type - New Content Type Defined and In List

7. New Content Type Added to List

After saving, you will be redirected to the Content types list, where you will see a link to your new content type.

Now we're ready to start adding some fields...